Effect of antioxidants on preimplantation embryo developmentin vitro: a review

Abstract

Summary In vitro culture of the embryo is a useful method to treat infertility that shows embryo potential for selecting the best one to transfer and successfully implantation. However, embryo development in vitro is affected by oxidative stresses such as reactive oxygen species that may damage embryo development. Antioxidants are molecules found in fruits, vegetables, and fish that play an important role in reducing oxidative processes. In the natural environment, there is a physiological antioxidant system that protects embryos against oxidative damage. This antioxidant system does not exist in vitro. Antioxidants act as free radical scavengers and protect cells or repair damage done by free radicals. Various studies have shown that adding antioxidants into embryo culture medium improves embryo development in vitro. This review article emphasizes different aspects of various antioxidants, including types, functions and mechanisms, on the growth improvement of different species of embryos in vitro.

Effect of a Novel Hydroxybenzoic Acid Based Mitochondria Directed Antioxidant Molecule on Bovine Sperm Function and Embryo Production

“…Various studies have shown that adding antioxidants into embryo culture medium improves in vitro embryo development [ 36 ]. Here, we evaluated the effects of AntiOxBEN2 on embryonic development and quality after supplementation in capacitation medium (CAP) of spermatozoa, fertilization medium (FERT), or both.…”

Sesamol protects the function and structure of rat ovaries against side effects of cyclophosphamide by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis

“…Overall, ROS are considered a double‐edged sword, meaning that a certain amount of them is a prerequisite for the proper functioning of biological phenomena, while high levels of ROS can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids and play an important role in causing pathological events. In the female reproductive system, small amounts of ROS are involved in some biological processes from the maturity of the oocyte to fertilization and embryo development 12 . While high levels of ROS are one of the primary culprits for DNA damage in ovarian granulosa cells and the ovulation process.…”

“…One of the least dangerous ways to protect ovaries against chemotherapy is to use antioxidants 5,10 . Using an appropriate dose of antioxidants is noninvasive and can protect cells by reducing oxidative stress and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) 11,12 . High levels of ROS due to increased oxidative stress lead to DNA damage, destruction of the endothelium, and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells.…”

“…5,10 Using an appropriate dose of antioxidants is noninvasive and can protect cells by reducing oxidative stress and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). 11,12 High levels of ROS due to increased oxidative stress lead to DNA damage, destruction of the endothelium, and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells. Natural antioxidants with protective, anti-inflammatory, and restorative properties can be effective in repairing and preventing ovarian tissue damage.…”

Oxidative Stress and Assisted Reproduction: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pathophysiological Role and Strategies for Optimizing Embryo Culture Environment

“…Furthermore, supplementation of culture medium with 1 nM of melatonin resulted in optimum oocyte development and nuclear maturation, whereas higher melatonin levels (105 to 107 nM) resulted in detrimental effects on nuclear maturation [197]. Additionally, a recent review highlighted the beneficial effects of AOX supplementation of culture media on the growth improvement of different species of embryos in vitro [198]. To the contrary, no significant effects on embryo development were observed following AOX supplementation of the culture medium [79].…”